Summer is one of the best times to travel to Europe.
Whether you want to stretch out on the stunning beaches of Greece, take a city break in England, or explore the French countryside, there are plenty of incredible destinations for a summer getaway in the region. While summer in Europe can get crowded, it’s also a fantastic time to explore the great outdoors. But no matter where you go, you’re bound to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
Here are some of the best destinations for summer adventures in Europe.
Greece
From picturesque villages to stunning coastline and yummy cuisine, Greece has everything you need for an incredible summer vacation. The best way to explore the country’s most beautiful islands is on an island-hopping tour, allowing you to see many places in one visit. But with plenty of islands to choose from, deciding where to go can be daunting. If you’re exploring Greece for the first time, the Cyclades would be the best islands to explore on your island-hopping adventure. Renowned for their iconic blue and white domed villages and beautiful beaches, your journey will take you to famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Your journey starts with a short visit to Poros, a small Greek island in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. Its proximity to Athens makes it one of the most popular destinations for weekend breaks. Next, you’ll sail to Poliegos and Folegandros. Both have fantastic beaches and delightful tavernas to indulge in mouth-watering Greek cuisine. Your next destination will be the famous volcanic island of Santorini. Stroll through its charming capital of Fira before heading to Oia to witness the island’s stunning sunset. You’ll then sail towards the bay of Antiparos and into the island of Paros. Finally, your journey ends in Mykonos, where you’ll spend the day wandering around the scenic Little Venice and discovering the island’s iconic windmills.
Switzerland
Families will find Switzerland a fantastic place to visit for a summer break. Aside from its numerous family-friendly activities and attractions, it’s an excellent destination for European summer camps for kids. Joining a summer camp in Switzerland allows your kids to learn new skills, meet new friends, and take on fun adventures. Summer in Switzerland is from June to mid-September. During this time, outdoor attractions have longer opening hours. And because there’s plenty of daylight, it’s the best time to make the most of the country’s spectacular landscape views. Consider renting a car to explore at your own pace and visit hidden gems. Take advantage of the good weather to explore Switzerland’s scenic lakes. The best lakes to visit are Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the gateway to the Bernese Alps. You should also check out the famous Lake Geneva. It’s Switzerland’s largest lake, offering a perfect base for sightseeing in Geneva and Lausanne. Summer is the perfect time to go hiking in Switzerland. The country boasts over 65,000 km of hiking trails, crisscrossing throughout the countryside. The Jungfrau region is one of the best places for hiking. Conquer the Loop Hike, which starts and ends in Lauterbrunnen, taking you to Gimmelwald, Mürren, and Grütschalp. Depending on your pace, the 6-mile trek takes about 6 – 4 hours.
France
A country with rich history, enchanting landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite food and wine, summer is the perfect time to embark on an exciting adventure in France. While Paris is a great idea, the glamorous South of France has everything you need for an exciting summer getaway. Provence is a scenic region of France that looks even more beautiful in summer. Renowned for its lavender fields, stunning countryside, and picturesque hilltop villages, it’s a fantastic place to explore in summer. During this time, Provence comes alive with bustling markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals. The city of Avignon makes for an ideal base, home to the famous Palais des Papes. Wine lovers should choose Bordeaux for a summer getaway in France. It has some of the country’s most famous vineyards and wineries, which you can visit on a wine tour. Aside from its wine culture, Bordeaux has magnificent buildings and a lively arts scene.
England
The best thing about visiting England in summer is the weather is at its best. With longer daylight hours and warmer weather, you’ll have an incredible time discovering its great outdoors. In addition, there are plenty of excellent group accommodations in England, which makes for a perfect destination for groups of friends and families looking for lots of adventure. A trip to the zoo is the perfect adventure for families heading to England in summer. Regent Park’s London Zoo is a fantastic place to visit, especially for kids. It’s home to thousands of animals and features a variety of exciting wildlife exhibits. Summer is the best time to spend fun days at the top beaches of England. It’s the perfect time to visit Cornwall and discover its top beaches, like Kynance Cove and Fistral Beach. If exploring quaint villages is more your thing, head to Fowey. The post-card perfect fishing village is in South Cornwall, with a labyrinth of cobblestone streets weaving out to a lovely harbour.
Italy
While Italy is an excellent country to visit all year round, it’s even more spectacular in summer. Its balmy weather with less probability of rain means you can spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring its picturesque towns and bustling cities. Cinque Terre’s remarkable location by the ocean makes it a perfect destination for a summer getaway. It’s home to lovely fishing villages with colourful houses perched on cliffs.
Follow the interlinking walking paths to explore the seaside villages and stop by for lunch at a seafood restaurant with waterfront views. Wine lovers should venture into Sorrento in the Amalfi Coast, renowned for producing the country’s most delectable wines. The region boasts scenic vineyards that take advantage of the blissful climate. Book a private wine tour to visit some of its wineries, learn about the region’s winemaking history, and sample some of the finest varieties.
